Hello everyone, thanks for all the info. I think I'm going to follow all of your advice and stick to central/northern Cambodia. I think I'll do a couple days in PP and a couple of days in SR and maybe take a long route in between to see some of the countryside. I really enjoy reading all the activity on this site and whether I move to Cambodia or not I think I'm going to keep following this site just to stay up to date on the interesting topics I come across here. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to answer my question. Thanks again.

Suggest Phnom Penh - Kratie - Siem Reap - PP as a basic tour. Thats about all you have time for. 2 nights in PP, minivan to Kratie (VIP minivan 4hours), 2 nights in Kratie to see Cambodian countryside and dolphins and do a homestay, then a VIP minivan to SR from Kratie over Stung Treng bridge is now about 6 hours (thats short lol) but lots to see, 2 nights in SR then fly or drive to PP.

I'm going to disagree with those saying go north, with one proviso. That being that you have said you may potentially move here with your family.
For a short tour on your own, yes it will be great and you will experience all you listed as requirements. HOWEVER, to move here with young kids for a few months or potentially longer, you will not want to live there. The area's mention offer nothing. No health care, no education, no occasional western style treats for the kids.You are looking at a hard, arduous lifestyle. Fine for you perhaps, but maybe not so good for the kids.
I would (much as it pains me to say) agree with dropping the idea of Sihanoukville completely for the next few years at least. But I would recommend you spend a couple of nights in Kampot and at least a day or 2 in Kep. Kampot has decent education, health and living standards (all by Cambodian comparisons), Kep has the beach and is only a 25 minute ride to Kampot for the other things. For the possibility of longer or long term living, I think you need to check them out.

Double post sorry

IraHayes wrote: ↑Sun Dec 09, 2018 9:44 pm How old are your children? I'm a big fan of home schooling but if you are considering a lengthy stay here this should be something you may wish to look into more.

I, respectfully, disagree. Unless you are living in an area with absolutely NO schools ( and even then, if you can afford it, you should consider boarding schools), then all you do is isolate your kids and make them "stand out from the pack" as such. All kids want to do is fit in and make friends.

PP>Battambang>Siem Reap.

Personally, I think Battambang is a nice place to check out for a day or two on your way to Siem Reap. There's some really nice temples in the area that won't be overcrowded with tour groups. There's also several other attractions there to see that are worth checking out, like the bat cave, and some decent coffee shops.

Prasat Banan

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.